mantis
/ˈmantɪs
/(also praying mantis)
noun (plural same or mantises)
A slender predatory insect with a triangular head, which waits motionless for prey with its large forelegs folded like hands in prayer.
- Suborder Mantodea, order Dictyoptera: Mantidae and other families, and many species, including Mantis religiosa of southern Europe.
- The creatures look part stick insect, part mantis, with a touch of grasshopper.
- Some insects also hunt down spiders, including the mantis and a wasp that specializes in catching and paralyzing spiders.
Origin
Mid 17th century: modern Latin, from Greek, literally 'prophet'.